About Us

About Us

Our History: Ahavath Achim - Hebrew Congregation had its beginnings in Wichita when we were chartered with the State of Kansas in 1907. Since then, our traditional congregation has met and worshipped on a continuous basis in various locations. Our present building, erected in 1962, has recently undergone extensive renovation.

We Are Family: With a history spanning over 90 years, our congregation has many members who are third and fourth generation. Many more recent member families and individuals of all ages, from Wichita and other areas of the country, are active in our synagogue. Our name, Ahavath Achim, means "brotherly love", which is the essence of our Shul. We strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. We consider everyone family and try to meet the needs of all members and their children.

Services: We provide both traditional and family worship services to meet a variety of spiritual needs and Jewish backgrounds. We regularly maintain Shabbat and holiday services as well as a Sunday morning minyan. We will supply additional minyanim for yahrzeits if requested. Our Shabbat services are usually followed by a light kiddush, and Sunday morning minyanim by a bagel breakfast. We hope that you will find attendance at our services to be spiritually uplifting and socially beneficial.

Education: Our children are encouraged to participate in the Wichita Jewish Community School, which has approximately eighty students, ranging from pre-school through 9th grade levels. Bar and Bat Mitzvah training, and Confirmations are the responsibility of the Hebrew Congregation. Adult education is offered for those who wish to expand their religious horizons.

Groups and Activities: The Hebrew Congregation has a very active Sisterhood. Our Sisterhood strives to educate and entertain; to create a warm, Jewish environment for the celebration of holidays, Shabbat, and life cycle events; to plant the seeds of Jewish learning and observance; and to instill in all of its members, the true feeling of Sisterhood. Two Youth Groups are supported and encouraged by the synagogue. Young Judaea is available for third grade and older, and B'nai Brith Youth participation occurs around Bar/Bat Mitzvah age.

Facilities: Our location near 21st and Woodlawn is convenient to most Wichita Jewish families. Our synagogue is on twelve landscaped acres, with ample ground for all types of future expansion. We worship both in a dignified and spacious Sanctuary, and in a smaller, newly redecorated Chapel.

The Educational Wing is fully equipped with classrooms; and a beautiful library with Internet and projection capabilities; and children's playrooms. The Social Hall is a large, multi-purpose hall with an adjoining, newly equipped Kosher kitchen, making it most convenient for all types of small to large Jewish celebrations and meetings. This facility is unique to the Wichita metropolitan area.

The Lounge is a friendly, casual gathering place for quiet conversation, study, or just relaxing. Specialized areas of our facility include a permanent, attached Sukkah; and a Mikvah which serves an extended area. We recently added new, attractive outdoor playground facilities for our children.

The beautiful Wichita Hebrew Cemetery, located on North Oliver south of 21st Street, is faithfully maintained by our congregation under approved traditional requirements, including the services of a Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society).

Our Commitment to the Future: We are firmly committed to family values and spiritual growth through traditional Jewish worship, practice, and education, in an atmosphere of fellowship, good will, and social interaction. Mindful of building for our future, we heartily encourage our members to participate in our many activities, to give of their time and talents, and to become involved in the varied aspects of synagogue life.